In a surprise operation on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, the Lagos State Task Force stormed Mile 2 yesterday, impounding 82 commercial motorcycles—locally known as Okadas. Task Force Public Relations Officer Gbadeyan Abdulraheem confirmed that while no operators were arrested, further details on the raid will be released later today.
The operation, which commenced around noon, was aimed at enforcing the state government’s ban on commercial motorcycle operations in the area. However, chaos ensued when some riders attempted to flee, resulting in a scene described by eyewitness Tunde Omoyemi as “like a war zone.” He recounted that some Okada riders hurled stones and sticks at the armed operatives, with many abandoning their motorcycles in a bid to escape arrest.
Additional operations were carried out at other key points along the expressway, including Second Rainbow and the Toyota bus stop, where over 15 Task Force vehicles were deployed. Despite the crackdown, several riders managed to return to work shortly after the operatives left, casting doubt on the long-term effectiveness of the intervention.
Commuters have expressed surprise at the boldness of the returning riders, underscoring the ongoing challenge for authorities to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycling in the area.
